To Love Somebody

The song explores the complexities of love, loss, and what it means to be human. Humberstone reflects on how love can hurt but also brings joy. The lyrics feel very relatable, showing that everyone goes through ups and downs in relationships. It’s like she’s saying that even if things fall apart, the experience of love is worth it.

Verse 1

So you crashed into the wall
You're cleanin' up the broken glass
Thinkin', "What the hell was that?" Yeah
In the movie of your life
You're the first to die
And the critics called it trash (too bad)

In this verse, we see the aftermath of a breakup or a tough moment. The imagery of crashing and cleaning up broken glass hints at pain and cleanup after emotional chaos. The reference to being the first to die in a movie suggests feeling like a failure in love, while the critics' comments add a touch of humor. It sets a tone of self-reflection and vulnerability.

Chorus

To love somebody
To hurt somebody
To lose somebody
Is to know you're only human, honey
To love somebody
To hurt somebody
To lose somebody
Well, at least you got to love somebody

The chorus is powerful and straightforward. It highlights the reality of love, it's not just about the good times but also the pain and loss. By saying “you're only human,” Humberstone normalizes the struggle of emotions. The line about at least getting to love someone is a hopeful twist, suggesting that despite the hurt, love is a valuable experience.

Verse 2

You took a right hook to the jaw
So you go and brush your teeth
A little powder on your cheeks
And you feel a little better
This blue and green ball
Keeps spinnin' to the beat
You gotta try and move your feet
Gotta be boxin' clever

This verse continues the theme of recovery after emotional pain. The “right hook” metaphor shows how love can hit hard. The act of brushing your teeth and putting on makeup reflects a desire to feel better and face the world again. The mention of the spinning earth emphasizes the ongoing rhythm of life, encouraging us to keep moving despite our struggles.

Chorus

They tell you that you feel too much
You bet it all on a summer crush
It all breaks down, it always does
It all works out, it always does
And you wear his T-shirt, you hate his guts
You read the handbook, you take the drugs
You said, "From here on out, it's us"
It always was, it always was

This chorus revisits the idea of emotional turmoil. It acknowledges the sometimes overwhelming feelings that come with love. The line about wearing his T-shirt while hating him shows the confusion of love, how you can feel both good and bad at the same time. The repeated phrase about things breaking down but working out captures the cycle of relationships and how they can transform.

Bridge

Ah-ah-ah, yeah, yeah
Ah-ah-ah, yeah, yeah
They tell you that you feel too much (na-na-na-na-na)
Euphoria right down to the crush (na-na-na-na-na)
It all breaks down, it always does
It all works out, it always does

The bridge highlights the tension between feeling deeply and being told you feel too much. It captures the highs of a crush and the inevitable lows that follow. The repetition of “it all breaks down” and “it all works out” reinforces the song’s central message: love is a rollercoaster, but it’s part of life.

Outro

To love somebody (to love you)
To hurt somebody (to hurt you)
To lose somebody (to lose you)
Is to know you're only human, honey (it's only human)
To love somebody (to love you)
To hurt somebody (to hurt you)
To lose somebody (to lose you)
Well, at least you got to love somebody

In the outro, Humberstone circles back to the main themes. The repetition emphasizes the lessons learned through love, hurt, and loss. It’s a reminder that these experiences are universal. By reinforcing that love, even with its pain, is what makes us human, she leaves listeners with a sense of acceptance.

Closing Thoughts

Holly Humberstone’s "To Love Somebody" beautifully captures the highs and lows of love and human experiences. It’s raw, relatable, and ultimately hopeful. The song reminds us that even when things get tough, the moments of love are what make it all worthwhile. It’s a heartfelt reflection on being human, and that’s something we can all connect with.